Call to make drink-drive interlock rules tougher

Companies set to make a windfall from tough new laws that will order all drink-drivers to fit alcohol interlock devices in their cars are pushing for even harsher road rules.

Under radical changes to Victoria's road laws, any one who records a blood alcohol level over 0.05 will be ordered to fit an interlock device to their car, increasing the number of devices installed each year from around 6,500 to 17,000.

Victoria's three approved interlock companies- Draeger Safety, Guardian Interlock Systems and Smart Start Interlocks- have applauded the changes but are pushing for an even greater crackdown on drink drivers.

Smart Start Interlocks managing director John Doherty said all P-platers should automatically have an alcohol interlock fitted into their car for at least 6 months.

"So many kids don't understand that they still have alcohol in their system after they stay out late and get in the car in the morning."

He has also asked VicRoads to investigate court-ordered alcohol interlocks with cameras- which would make it even trickier to evade the devices.

"It would stop the lies like 'it must have been my mate'."

Guardian Interlock Systems managing director Les Libbesson said police officers should be given new powers to hand out drink driving infringements which give motorists the option of fitting their car with an alcohol interlock or going to court.

He said this scheme was already operating in British Columbia, Canada, and had been a huge success.

"A person found with a blood alcohol level over 0.05 should be put on an interlock immediately, without a court order. There is no such thing as a first time drink driver."

Interlocks cost almost $2000 a year- which includes an initial installation fee as well a monthly fee.

Under the Baillieu government's plan, the motorist would foot the bill for the machines- which prevent cars from starting unless a driver has passed a breath test.

Draeger Safety managing director Andrew Hawke said Victoria had taken a sensible approach to reduce accidents.

"We applaud the idea and yes, of course it means we will do more business."

Mr Hawke said alcohol interlocks with cameras- which currently can not be ordered by Victorian courts- made the technology fool-proof by taking a photo of the driver every time they used the machine.

"It's not only photography, there's lot of other technology that improves ability of knowing who is blowing."

Under current laws, only repeat offenders or drivers who record a blood alcohol concentration of more than 0.15 are required to fit an interlock to their car.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services Peter Ryan said the new laws would save up to 20 lives a year, and the devices could eventually become standard in all new cars sold in Australia.

"We intend for this legislation to have its effect. We think it will profoundly do so, it will be very beneficial, it will save lives. We are the first in Australia to do it."

He said the new laws would apply to all drink drivers, except in exceptional circumstances determined by the courts.

Victoria Police assistant commissioner Robert Hill welcomed the move, and dismissed claims the new laws would clog up the courts.

He said motorists caught drink-driving did not always end up in the court and Victroia Police were working with Vic Roads to ensure this continued to occur.

"We expect this to have a significant impact with road trauma here in Victoria," he said.

Drink driving is responsible for up to 30 per cent of deaths and 11 per cent of serious injuries on Victoria's roads.